> Posted by Oline Cogdill on September 2, 2009 04:20 AM

Craig McDonald gives a peek behind the creative curtain with Rogue Males, an illuminating compilation of 16 author interviews. McDonald shows his skill at getting writers to talk about themselves, their work and the craft of writing.

In one of his last interviews, the late James Crumley reveals that he once thought of killing off his character Milo, but his wife talked him out of it. Fittingly, Rogue Males is dedicated to Crumley.

Elmore Leonard tells why he decided to bring back three characters in Road Dogs, which he was still working on during the time of this interview. Leonard’s pick for the best crime novel? The Friends of Eddie Coyle.

Daniel Woodrell, who has become a cult favorite, talks about his choice of the Ozarks as a setting. Woodrell’s brilliant The Death of Sweet Mister gets a nice quote from Dennis Lehane who calls it “the best coming-of-age story” that is also “one of the most vicious, brilliant noirs.”

Max Allen Collins discusses his Road to Perdition 2 and the film that was based on his graphic novel. Producer/writer Stephen Cannell also offers insight on his long career in television and movies that include The A-Team, 21 Jump Street, The Rockford Files, Baretta, as well as several novels.

European and American readers have different reactions to Jack Reacher, says his creator, Lee Child. European audiences, he says, seem more upset by Reacher’s vigilante nature, but Reacher remains a favorite worldwide.

McDonald, an Edgar nominee for Head Games, also offers insightful introductions and a bibliography for each author in Rogue Males. As a result, you want to immediately start reading each author’s works.

Stephen J. Cannell will be one of the guest speakers at Sleuthfest Feb. 26-28, 2010 in Deerfield Beach. For more information, contact Linda Hengerer at linraygh@bellsouth.net.